Applying an Elastic Bandage

 Elastic bandages or wraps are used to secure dressings in place, immobilize

joints, decrease swelling, maintain circulation, support or immobilize a body
part, stabilize an extremity, or secure equipment, such as traction, to a body
part.
 The type and size of elastic bandages will vary with the body part or area to be
covered
 Uses: the Elastic bandages can be used in following :
1. To apply compression to any area of body exception the neck.
2. To prevent edema and to support varicose veins on the lower extremities.
3. To support the knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist for conditions such as strains and
sprains.
4. They can also be used with a splint to support and immobilize a fracture
during healing.
Complications
 Arterial obstruction characterized by a decreased or an absent distal pulse,
blanching or bluish discoloration of skin, dusky nail beds, numbness and
tingling or pain and cramping, and cold skin can result from elastic bandage
application.
Edema can occur from obstruction of venous return. Less serious
complications include allergic reaction and skin irritation
Equipment needed :
 Elastic bandage of appropriate width
 Gloves, if body fluids or wounds are involved
 Gauze pads or absorbent cotton.
 Clips or tape to secure bandage in place
 Bandages usually come in 2 to 6 widths and 4 and 6 (1.2- and 1.8-m) lengths.
Implementation:
NO Applying an Elastic Bandage U A/
W

1) Check the physician's order and explain the procedure to the patient, provide privacy,
Position him comfortably, with the body part to be bandaged in normal functioning
position to promote circulation and prevent deformity and discomfort.
2) Gather materials and Assess size of material needed. Elastic bandages are Available
in different sizes 2, 21⁄2, 3, 4, 6, and 8 inch widths. Lengths are usually available in 3
yards.
3) Wash hand and put on gloves.
4) Assess the skin to be covered for redness, swelling, or open lesions. Assess that the
 client is in a correct position for application, e.g., if supporting a fracture, arm, or other
body part, it must be correctly aligned. If elastic wrap is for edema of the lower
extremity or for varicose veins, the client’s leg must be elevated.
5) Place gauze or absorbent cotton as needed between skin surfaces, such as between toes
and fingers and under breasts and arms, to prevent skin irritation.

6) Apply the bandage. The technique varies according to the body part to be covered and
the purpose of the bandage.

 Hold roll of elastic bandage in dominant hand and use the other hand to lightly hold
beginning of bandage at distal body part . Continue transferring from hand to hand as
bandage is wrapped. Wrap firmly but not too tightly. As you wrap, ask the patient to
tell you if the bandage feels comfortable. If he complains of tingling, itching,
numbness, or pain, loosen the bandage.
 Toes or fingertips must be visible to allow follow-up assessment. Apply bandage from
distal point toward proximal boundary using variety of turns to cover various shapes
of body parts .Unroll and very slightly stretch bandage, overlap turns, and secure first
bandage before applying additional rolls .Apply additional rolls without exposing any
skin surface.

 If the legs and feet are to be covered, wrap the foot initially.Use a figure-eight pattern,
leaving the toes exposed. Continue wrapping the leg in a figure-eight pattern until the
entire wrap is used.
 A figure-eight pattern is also useful to cover and immobilize joints .

 Use a circular pattern to bandage digits or wrists.

 • Use spiral turns to apply a bandage to cover areas such as slender wrists or the
forearms.

 If securing equipment in place, such as Buck’s traction, use a circular pattern around
the leg and traction.
 Spiral reverse turns are used to cover parts of the body that are the shape of an
inverted cone, such as the thigh or forearm.
  Recurrent turns are used to bandage the head or the stump of an amputated limb.

7) Secure in place with tape, pins or hooks provided with bandage

8) Check that no constrictive areas are present and check distal circulation once or twice
every 8 hours because an elastic bandage that is too tight may result in neurovascular
damage. Lift the distal end of the bandage and assess the skin underneath for color,
temperature, and integrity.
9) Elevate a wrapped extremity for 15 to 30 minutes to facilitate venous return.
10) Change the bandage at least once daily. Bathe the skin, dry it thoroughly, and observe
for irritation and breakdown before applying a fresh bandage.
1. Wash hands.
2. Documentation: record the date and time of bandage application and removal; the
application site, bandage size, skin condition before application, skin care provided
after removal, and complications; the patient's tolerance of the treatment; and any
patient teaching.
BANDAGING TECHNIQUES

 Circular : Each turn encircles the previous one, covering it completely. Use this
technique to anchor a bandage.

 Spiral : Each turn partially overlaps the previous one. Use this technique to wrap a
long, straight body part or one of increasing circumference.

 Spiral-reverse: Anchor the bandage ,then reverse direction halfway through each
spiral turn. Use this technique to accommodate the increasing circumference of a
body part.

 Figure eight : Anchor below the joint, and then use alternating ascending and
descending turns to form a figure eight. Use this technique around joints.
  Recurrent : This technique includes a combination of recurrent and circular turns.
Hold the bandage as you make each recurrent turn and then use the circular turns as a
final anchor. Use this technique for a stump, a hand, or the scalp.

Total marks

Key words: U= unable to perform, A/W= Able to perform with Assistance, A= Able
to perform.
Instructor: Mohammed Abdelkrim Adam Date …………Students signature:
…………